Norma M. Lyden

     Norma M. Lyden, 88, of Sparta, died Sunday, January 7, 2018 at Morrow Memorial Home, Sparta. She was born in Sparta on October 3, 1929 to John and Lilah (Arttus) Allen. She grew up in Sparta and graduated from Sparta High School in 1947.

     Norma married James Lyden in Decorah, IA on March 26, 1949. After marriage, they lived in Sparta. Norma stayed at home and raised her three wonderful children. Jim passed away in 1985 unexpectedly while on vacation in northern California.

     Norma was a member of the VFW Auxiliary. She enjoyed bowling, camping, and traveling; especially her hunting trips out west.

     She is survived by her children, Diana (Don) June of Sparta, Thomas (Patricia) Lyden of West Salem, and John (Victoria Ozanich) Lyden of Sparta; her grandchildren, James Kroeger, Bridget Banks, Jamie Olson, Joel Lyden, Noah Lyden, Keagan Lyden, and Nikki Vidal; her great grandchildren, Matthew, Jack, Ella, Isaak, Zoey, and Matilda; her brother, Gary (Barb) Allen of Sparta; and many other relatives and friends.

     She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lilah; her husband, Jim; a grandson, Matthew Kroeger; her siblings, LaRene Hammer, Robert Duane Allen, Arliss Allen, and an infant sister.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta, with Father Keith Kitzhaber officiating. Burial will follow in Farmers Valley Cemetery, rural Sparta.

     Family and friends are invited to call from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., with a 7p.m. prayer service, on Wednesday at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, and on from 10 a.m. until time of services on Thursday at the church. 

     The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. 

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